How to Grow a Laurus Nobilis

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How to Grow a Laurus Nobilis

Overview

The evergreen bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) grows as a large shrub. Its foliage is extremely aromatic. The shrub makes an excellent topiary project shrub, hedge, privacy screen or simple yard specimen. The bay laurel sustains pruning well and can be kept large or small. Left to grow it will easily attain a height of up to 60 feet. The leathery foliage of the plant often measures up to 4 inches in length. Each spring, tiny yellow flowers appear, followed by black or purple berries on a female shrub. Male shrubs produce no berries. The shrub is hardy in zones 8 to 10.

Step 1

Step 2

Dig a hole that is twice as large as the shrub's root system when planting. Mix abundant aged manure and peat moss into the soil. The shrub adores rich soil that is high in organic content. The planting soil should have a crumbly soil consistency. Plant the Laurus nobilis in a location that offers well-draining soil. The shrub does not tolerate standing water around its roots.

Step 3

Water the Laurus nobilis frequently until established. The shrub enjoys moist soil conditions and once established will tolerate drought well.

Step 4

Prune the Laurus nobilis in the early spring. Remove dead or diseased branches. Prune to fit whatever shape is desired.

Step 5

Fertilize once in the spring and once in the summer using a general purpose 14-14-14 fertilizer. Apply according to the directions on the label.

Things You'll Need

Shovel

Peat moss

Aged manure

14-14-14 general purpose fertilizer

Pruning shears

References

Floridata: Laurus nobilis

Herb Society of America: Laurus nobilis

University of Connecticut: Laurus nobilis

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About this Author

Kimberly Sharpe is a freelance writer with a diverse background. She has worked as a Web writer for the past four years. She writes extensively for Associated Content where she is both a featured home improvement contributor (with special emphasis on gardening) and a parenting contributor. She also writes for Helium. She has worked professionally in the animal care and gardening fields.